Organizations scramble to find new home for events pushed from fairgrounds

Thursday

Feb 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 28, 2008 at 8:42 AM

Jan Miller and Mona Lykins drove the streets Wednesday in hopes of finding a new home for their cat-adoption event. The Route 66 Cat Club of Springfield, now in its third year of sponsoring The International Cat Association Purebred and Household Pet Cat Show, finds itself among organizations forced to look for a new venue as a result of electrical problems at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Tim Landis

Jan Miller and Mona Lykins drove the streets Wednesday in hopes of finding a new home for their cat-adoption event.

The Route 66 Cat Club of Springfield, now in its third year of sponsoring The International Cat Association Purebred and Household Pet Cat Show, finds itself among organizations forced to look for a new venue as a result of electrical problems at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The volunteer organization — Miller, Lykins and Ann Arnold, all of Springfield, are the primary coordinators — works closely with Sangamon County Animal Control and other shelters to find “show” cats.

In the first two years of the event, more than 70 homeless cats have been adopted at shows that drew would-be owners from as far away as California and New York. At least 100 cats are expected for this year’s show.

TICA, based in Harlingen, Texas, is a worldwide organization that promotes cat adoption, spay and neutering programs and responsible breeding practices, including through shows such as the one planned in Springfield.

Purebred cats are included, but Miller said the emphasis is finding homes for shelter cats.

“We go out to the shelters, and they work with us. We choose cats based on attitude, but we try to get the older ones that have been there for a while,” said Miller.

The show comes complete with ribbons for the winners.

“We give them baths and get their nails trimmed, just like a regular show,” said Miler.

The $118 adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, and shots.

Miller said there is no shortage of vacant space in Springfield, but finding an owner willing to rent space for a two-day, weekend show has been difficult.

About 20 vendors of cat-related products also are signed up for this year’s event.

Additional information is available from Miller at (217) 415-2451, Lykins at (217) 801-7677 or on the organization’s Web site, www.route66catclub.com.

Tim Landis can be reached at (217) 788-1536.

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